Virat Kohli’s hopes of playing one last international match at his home ground have suffered a major setback. The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, which was originally scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, is now set to be shifted to another venue.

The development is particularly heartbreaking for Kohli’s hometown fans, who were eagerly waiting for another opportunity to watch their hero represent India in Delhi. With Kohli approaching the final phase of his international career, this match was being seen as a possible last chance for the Delhi crowd to watch him play in India’s jersey.

According to exclusive information received by Tezzbuzz, the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka is now expected to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad instead of Delhi. However, an official announcement regarding the venue change is still awaited.

DDCA’s Renovation Plans Cost Delhi a Special Opportunity

Tezzbuzz had previously reported that the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) had informed the BCCI about its inability to host the proposed India vs Sri Lanka ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium because of planned renovation work.

The situation has now developed into a major disappointment for Delhi cricket fans. The stadium that could have hosted one of Kohli’s final international appearances in his hometown is no longer expected to stage the match.

Questions are also likely to be raised about DDCA’s planning. With such an important international fixture scheduled for Delhi, the timing of the renovation work has potentially cost local supporters an opportunity that may never come again.

For Delhi fans, this is not simply about losing an international cricket match. It is about missing the chance to watch one of their greatest cricketers play at home for possibly the final time.

Virat Kohli May Never Get Another Chance to Play in Delhi

Virat Kohli’s connection with Delhi goes far beyond international cricket. He grew up in the city, learned the fundamentals of the game there and developed into one of India’s greatest batters through its cricket system.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium holds special significance in his journey. For supporters who have followed him since his early days, watching Kohli play another international match in Delhi would have been an emotional occasion.

His family members and local supporters were also looking forward to the possibility of seeing him represent India at his home ground once again.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, there is considerable uncertainty about how much longer Kohli will continue playing international cricket after the tournament.

Although his retirement timeline has not been officially confirmed, the possibility of the 2027 World Cup being his final major international assignment makes every remaining ODI appearance particularly significant.

Unless another international series is announced and Delhi receives an ODI before Kohli’s eventual retirement, the opportunity to see him play for India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium again could be lost.

Ahmedabad Set to Host India vs Sri Lanka First ODI

As per Tezzbuzz’s information, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is expected to replace Delhi as the venue for the opening ODI against Sri Lanka.

The BCCI has not yet officially confirmed the reported change, but Ahmedabad is emerging as the expected destination for the fixture.

While Ahmedabad offers a major international cricket venue, the emotional significance of this particular match would have been very different in Delhi.

For Kohli, it could have been a memorable return to the ground associated with his cricketing roots. For thousands of local supporters, it could have been an opportunity to give their hometown hero a special farewell.

Instead, Delhi fans now face the possibility of watching that opportunity disappear because of the stadium’s renovation plans.

Updated India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series Schedule 2026

*The first ODI’s proposed shift to Ahmedabad is based on Tezzbuzz’s exclusive information. The BCCI’s currently published schedule still lists Delhi, and official confirmation of the change is awaited.